Landfill debris barrier system

ABSTRACT

A landfill debris barrier system includes a plurality of upstanding columns. The columns are arranged in a row in which adjacent ones of the columns define a pair of columns, each pair of columns defining a space therebetween. A plurality of barrier assemblies are included with each barrier assembly being associated with one of the pairs of columns. Each barrier assembly includes a barrier extending between and in the space defined by said associated pair of columns. The barrier is movable between an operative position and a retracted position. In the operative position, the barrier has a first height and a first width that substantially corresponds to a height and a width of the space to substantially fill the space between the associated pair of columns such that opposite front and rear faces of the barrier block the space between the associated pair of columns to obstruct passage through the space defined by the associated pair of columns. In the retracted position, the barrier has a second height that is less than the first height to permit a human operator to reach an upper portion of the barrier to perform maintenance on the upper portion of the barrier.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a landfill debris barriersystem, and more particularly to a landfill debris barrier system havingbarriers that raise and lower.

BACKGROUND

Landfills are used to store trash and other debris. Landfill debrisbarrier systems generally surround and enclose landfills to preventtrash and other debris from moving out of the landfill. For example,some trash and debris can be blown out of the landfill.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a landfill debris barrier system comprises a plurality ofupstanding columns. The columns are arranged in a row in which adjacentones of the columns define a pair of columns. Each pair of columnsdefines a space therebetween. A plurality of barrier assemblies areincluded, each barrier assembly is associated with one of the pairs ofcolumns. Each barrier assembly includes a barrier extending between andin the space defined by said associated pair of columns. The barrier ismovable between an operative position and a retracted position. In theoperative position, the barrier has a first height and a first widththat substantially corresponds to a height and a width of the space tosubstantially fill the space between the associated pair of columns suchthat opposite front and rear faces of the barrier block the spacebetween the associated pair of columns to obstruct passage through thespace defined by the associated pair of columns. In the retractedposition, the barrier has a second height that is less than the firstheight to permit a human operator to reach an upper portion of thebarrier to perform maintenance on the upper portion of the barrier.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in partapparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rightward looking image of a portion of a landfill debrisbarrier system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,with barriers of the landfill debris barrier system in an operativeposition;

FIG. 2 is a leftward looking image of another portion of the landfilldebris barrier system;

FIG. 3 is an image of the landfill debris barrier system with a barrierin a retracted position;

FIG. 4 is an image of a lower portion of a barrier assembly of thelandfill debris barrier system;

FIG. 5 is an image of a portion of an elevator of the barrier assembly;

FIG. 6 is an image of an upper portion of the barrier assembly;

FIG. 7 is an image of an upper portion of the barrier, the barrier inthe retracted position;

FIG. 8 is an upwardly looking image along a fence post of the landfilldebris barrier system;

FIG. 9 is an image of a lower end of the fence post; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic of the operational components of the barrierassembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a landfill debris barrier system thatincludes barriers that can be raised and lowered. Lowering the barrierallows maintenance to be performed and for any debris that may becometrapped in the barrier to be easily removed, instead of using a lift asis conventionally done.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of a landfill debris barriersystem (“system”) according to the present disclosure is generallyindicated by reference numeral 10. The component parts (assembled orunassembled) of the system 10 may also be herein referred to as a kit.The system 10 includes a plurality of upstanding fence posts 12(broadly, “columns”). In the illustrated embodiment, the fence posts 12are wooden poles (e.g., wooden telephone poles) with lower ends thereofextending into the ground. Other configurations of the fence posts(e.g., other types of columns) are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. The fence posts 12 are arranged in a row to surround (e.g.,enclose) a landfill or other area. The fence posts 12 may be arranged tocompletely enclose a given area or may be arranged along only a portionof the given area. Generally, the fence posts 12 will be arranged alonga perimeter of the landfill or given area. The system 10 can include asmany fence posts 12 as need or desired. Adjacent ones of the fence posts12 define a pair of fence posts 14. It is understood that generally,each fence post 12 will be part of two pairs of fence posts 14. Eachpair of fence posts 14 defines a space 16 therebetween (FIG. 3). Thespace 16 has a height H and a width W defined by the pair of fence posts14. Desirably, the fence posts 12 are spaced apart evenly and havesimilar heights such that the width W and height of each space 16 of thesystem 10 is about the same, although in other embodiments the widthand/or height of the spaces may vary. For example, the width W can be 10to 50 feet (or more), such as at least 10 feet, and more desirably atleast 20 feet. The height H can be 10 to 60 feet (or more), such as atleast 20 feet, and more desirably at least 30 feet. Dimensions can varybased on the design criteria for a particular application.

The system 10 includes one or more barrier assemblies 18. Each barrierassembly 18 is associated with one of the pairs of fence posts 14.Accordingly, the system 10 can include as many barrier assemblies 18 aspairs of fence posts 14. The barrier assemblies 18 are all generallyidentical, except for being associated with different fence posts 12and/or having different dimensions, and thus one barrier assembly willnow be described with the understanding that the description applies toall the barrier assemblies of the system 10.

The barrier assembly 18 includes a barrier 20. The barrier 20 extendsbetween, and is in the space 16 defined by, the two fence posts 12 ofthe pair of fence posts 14. The barrier 20 is moveable between anoperative position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a retracted position (FIG. 3). Inthe operative position, the barrier 20 is arranged to substantiallyobstruct the space 16 between the pair of fence posts 14. The barrier20, in the operative position, has a first height H1 (FIG. 1) and afirst width W1 (FIG. 3) that substantially correspond to the height Hand the width W of the space 16 (e.g., having the same values as H and Wexplained above). Accordingly, in the operative position, the barrier 20substantially fills the space 20 between the pair of fence posts 14. Inparticular, opposite front and rear faces of the barrier 20 block thespace 16 between the pair of fence posts 14 to obstruct passage throughthe space defined by the pair of fence posts. In other words, thebarrier 20 generally extends between the two fence posts 12 of the pairof fence posts 14 and between an upper end of the fence posts and alower end of the fence posts when the barrier is in the operativeposition. Desirably, the barrier 20 is made of a flexible material. Forexample, the barrier 20 can be a net, as illustrated, although othermaterials and constructions are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In the retracted position, the barrier 20 has a second height H2 (FIG.3) that is less than the first height H1. The second height H2 of thebarrier 20 in the retracted position is such that an upper end of thebarrier is within manual reach of an operator standing at the bottom ofthe barrier (e.g., on the ground or other surface from which the columnsextend upward). This allows the operator to perform maintenance onportions of the barrier 20 that are out of reach when the barrier is inthe operational position. For example, the operator can fix or patch anyholes in the barrier 20 and/or remove any debris, such as garbage orsticks, that may have become stuck in the barrier. Lowering the barrier20 to the retracted position makes it easier and faster to performmaintenance on the barrier over conventional methods, which typicallyinvolve the use of lifts to raise the human operator upward intoposition to perform any maintenance. Desirably, the second height H2 ofthe barrier 20 in the retracted position is less than about ten feet,more desirably less than about 7 feet, and more desirably less thanabout 5 feet. However, it is understood the barrier 20 could bepositioned lower in the retracted position. For example, the barrier 20can be completely lowered onto the ground such that the second height H2is nearly zero or has a negligible second height. In the illustratedembodiment, the barrier 20 is a net that can (e.g., be configured to)fold back on itself as the net is lowered into the retracted position(see FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the first width W1 of thebarrier 20 does not change between the operative and retractedpositions.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the barrier assembly 18 includes at least oneelevator 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier assembly 18includes two elevators 22 (e.g., a first side elevator, a second sideelevator), one for each side of the barrier 20. The two elevators 22 aregenerally identical. Each elevator 22 is operatively coupled to thebarrier 22 of the barrier assembly 18. In the illustrated embodiment,the first side elevator 22 is operatively coupled to a first or leftside of the barrier 20 and the second side elevator 22 is operativelycoupled to a second or right side of the barrier that is opposite thefirst side of the barrier. Each elevator 22 is configured to move thebarrier 20 between the operative and retracted positions. Each elevator22 is configured to raise the barrier 20 toward the operative position(e.g., into the operative position from the retracted position) and tolower the barrier toward the retracted position (e.g., into theretracted position from the operative position). In the illustratedembodiment, the first and second side elevators 22 raise the barrier 20toward the operative position and lower the barrier toward the retractedposition. The first and second side elevators 22 can be operated toraise and lower the barrier 20 simultaneously or alternately. In theillustrated embodiment, the first and second side elevator 22 operateindependently of each other, however in other embodiments, the first andsecond side elevators may operate concurrently with each other.Moreover, it will be appreciated that one elevator may be operativelyconnected to the barrier to raise/lower both sides of the respectivebarrier.

In the illustrated embodiment, each elevator 22 comprises a winch 24.Each winch 24 is mounted (e.g., fastened) to one of the fence posts 12of the pair of fence posts 14. The winch 24 of the first side elevator22 is mounted to the first or left side fence post 12 of the pair offence posts 14 and the winch of the second side elevator 22 is mountedto the second or right side fence post of the pair of fence posts. Thus,generally each fence post 12 of the system 10 will have two winches 24mounted to it, one for each barrier system 18 on either side of thefence post. In the illustrated embodiment, the winches 24 are mountedadjacent to the lower end of the fence posts 12 so that they areaccessible to the operator. Each winch 24 includes a cable 26operatively coupled to the barrier 20. The cable 26 extends upward fromthe winch 24, around a pulley 28 (FIG. 6) adjacent the upper end of thefence post 12 and then down towards the barrier 20. Accordingly,rotating the winch 24 in one direction (e.g., clockwise) retracts thecable 26, thereby raising the barrier 20 toward the operative position.Rotating the winch 24 in the opposite direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise) extends the cable 26, thereby lowering the barrier 20toward the retracted position.

The barrier assembly 18 may include at least one prime mover 34 (FIG.10), such as an electric motor. In this embodiment, each prime mover 34is operatively coupled to one of the elevators 22 of the barrierassembly 18 for operating said elevator to move the barrier 20 betweenthe operative and retracted positions. The system 10 may also include auser interface 38 (FIG. 10) for controlling one or more of the primemovers 34. The user interface 38 is communicatively coupled (wired orwirelessly) to one or more of the prime movers 34 and is configured tooperate the one or more prime movers to move the barrier 20 between theoperative and retracted positions. The system 10 can include a singleuser interface 38 for every prime mover 34 or individual user interfacesfor each prime mover. In one embodiment, the user interface 38 mayinclude physical controls such as buttons and/or switches (e.g., a startbutton/switch, a stop button/switch, a directionalitybutton(s)/switch(es)) for controlling the one or more prime movers 34.In one embodiment, the user interface 38 may comprise an application fora portable smart device, such as a cellphone or tablet computer, whichmay be wirelessly coupled to the one or more prime moves 34 via awireless network, such as a cell phone network. In this embodiment, theapplication may include controls for starting and stopping the primemover 34 and controlling the direction of movement (e.g., rotation) ofthe prime mover. Other configurations of the user interface 38 arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

Each elevator 22 (e.g., winch 24) includes at least one actuator foroperating the elevator (e.g., rotating the winch) to move the barrier 20between the operative and retracted positions. In the illustratedembodiment, each elevator 22 includes two actuators. One actuator ofeach elevator 22 comprises a handle 30 (FIG. 5). The handle 30 isconfigured to be manually moved (e.g., turned, rotated) by the operatorto move the barrier 20. The other actuator of each elevator 22 comprisesa rotary linkage 32 (FIG. 5). The rotary linkage 32 is configured to beoperatively coupled to the prime mover 34 to rotate the rotary linkageand operate the elevator 22 (e.g., winch 24) to move the barrier 20.This is shown schematically in FIG. 10 for one elevator 22, however itis understood that this schematic would generally be repeated for eachelevator 22, prime mover 34 and rotary linkage 32 of the system 10. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the rotary linkage 32 comprises a nut 36(broadly, “tool connector”), although other configurations are withinthe scope of the present disclosure. The nut 36 may be attached to theprime mover 34, such as a handheld drill or other tool, to operativelyconnect the prime mover to the winch 24.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, thebarrier assembly 18 includes a support beam 40. The support beam 40supports the barrier 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the support beam40 is attached to the upper end of the barrier 20 and extends generallythe entire first width W1 of the barrier. The barrier 20 hangs from thesupport beam 40. The support beam 40 is operatively coupled to theelevators 22 (broadly, at least one elevator). Specifically, the end ofeach cable 26 opposite the winch 24 is attached to the support beam 40(e.g., one end of the support beam). The elevators 22 are configured tomove the support beam 40 to move the barrier 20 between the operativeand retracted position. Thus, the support beam 40 is raised and loweredto raise/lower the barrier 20.

Referring to FIG. 8, the barrier assembly 18 includes a right side guide42 supported by one fence post 12 (e.g., the right fence post). It willbe appreciated that a corresponding left side guide is provided on theleft fence post 14 of the pair. Generally each fence post 12 of thesystem 10 will have two side guides 42 mounted to it, one for eachbarrier system 18 on either side of the fence post. The first side guide42 of the barrier system 18 is connected to the first or left side ofthe barrier 20 for guiding the first side of the barrier as the barriermoves between the operative and retracted positions. Likewise, thesecond side guide 42 of the barrier system 18 is connected to the secondor right side of the barrier 20 (opposite the first or left side of thebarrier) for guiding the second side of the barrier as the barrier movesbetween the operative and retracted positions. In other words, the firstand second guides 42 generally maintain the first width W1 of thebarrier 20 as the barrier is raised and lowered. The guides 42 maintainthe sides of the barrier 20 adjacent the fence posts 12 to limit passageof debris between the barrier and fence posts. The first and second sideguides 42 are generally identical (and only one (e.g., a right) sideguide is clearly visible in FIG. 8 with the fence post 12 obscuring theother (e.g., a left) side guide). Each side guide 42 comprises a cable44 extending along its respective fence post 12 of the pair of fenceposts 14. Each cable 44 generally extends vertically from the upper endof its respective fence post 12 to the lower end of its respective fencepost.

The barrier 20 includes a first set of shackles 46 (broadly,“followers”) along the first side of the barrier and a second set ofshackles 46 along the second side of the barrier. Each set of shackles46 is generally spaced apart vertically along their respective side ofthe barrier 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each shackle 46 comprisesa carabineer or quick link, although other configurations of theshackles are within the scope of the present disclosure. The first setof shackles 46 is coupled to the cable 44 of the first side guide 42.The first set of shackles 46 moves along the cable 44 of the first sideguide 42 when the barrier 20 is moved between the operative andretracted positions. Likewise, the second set of shackles 46 is coupledto the cable 44 of the second side guide 42. The second set of shackles46 moves along the cable 44 of the second side guide 42 when the barrier20 is moved between the operative and retracted positions. As thebarrier 20 is lowered, the vertical spacing between adjacent shackles 46near the ground is reduced as the barrier folds upon itself.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9, the barrier system 18 includes an anchor 48.The anchor 48 is connected to the lower end of the barrier 20. Theanchor 48 holds the lower end of the barrier 20 adjacent to the lowerends of the two fence posts 12 of the pair of fence posts 14. In otherwords, the anchor 48 holds the lower end of the barrier 20 adjacent to(e.g., close to or at) the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, theanchor 48 comprises a cable 50. The cable 50 is attached to the lowerend of the barrier 20 (e.g., by zip ties, wires, quick links, or otherconnectors) and extends between the fence posts 12 of the pair of fenceposts 14. Thus, the cable 50 generally extends the entire first width W1of the barrier 20.

Having described one barrier assembly 18 of the system 10, it isunderstood the other barrier assemblies have essentially the sameconstruction.

In one embodiment, the system 10 may come as a kit that includes thefence posts and one or more barrier assemblies 18 (and associatedcomponents, such the barrier 20). This way, the end user can install anderect the system 10 around a given landfill or other area. Although thesystem 10 is described with respect to installation at a landfill, itwill be appreciated that such a system could be used in other contexts,such as at a landfill garbage transfer station where garbage istransferred to be hauled to a landfill (and may still be referred to asa landfill debris barrier in such contexts). The system 10 could bedeployed in other scenarios without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure are presented for purposes of illustration and description.They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to theprecise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodimentswere chosen and described to explain the principles of the disclosureand example practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure describedherein can be modified without departing from the scope of the appendedclaims. For example, features may be omitted or have other forms withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A landfill debris barrier system comprising: aplurality of upstanding columns, the columns arranged in a row in whichadjacent ones of the columns define a pair of columns, each pair ofcolumns defining a space therebetween; a plurality of barrierassemblies, each barrier assembly associated with one of the pairs ofcolumns, each barrier assembly including a barrier extending between andin the space defined by said associated pair of columns, the barriermovable between an operative position and a retracted position, whereinin the operative position the barrier has a first height and a firstwidth that substantially corresponds to a height and a width of thespace to substantially fill the space between the associated pair ofcolumns such that opposite front and rear faces of the barrier block thespace between the associated pair of columns to obstruct passage throughthe space defined by the associated pair of columns, and wherein in theretracted position the barrier has a second height that is less than thefirst height to permit a human operator to reach an upper portion of thebarrier to perform maintenance on the upper portion of the barrier. 2.The landfill debris barrier system of claim 1, wherein each barrierassembly includes at least one elevator operatively coupled to thebarrier of the corresponding barrier assembly and configured to move thebarrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between the operative andretracted positions.
 3. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2,wherein the at least one elevator comprises a first side elevatoroperatively coupled to a first side of the barrier of the correspondingbarrier assembly and a second side elevator operatively coupled to asecond side of the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly that isopposite the first side.
 4. The landfill debris barrier system of claim3, wherein the first and second side elevators raise the barrier of thecorresponding barrier assembly toward the operative position and lowerthe barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly toward the retractedposition.
 5. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2, wherein eachelevator includes an actuator for operating the respective elevator tomove the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between theoperative and retracted positions.
 6. The landfill debris barrier systemof claim 5, wherein the actuator comprises a handle configured to bemanually moved by the operator.
 7. The landfill debris barrier system ofclaim 5, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary linkage configured tobe operatively coupled to a prime mover to rotate the rotary linkage andoperate the respective elevator.
 8. The landfill debris barrier systemof claim 2, wherein the at least one elevator comprises a winch.
 9. Thelandfill debris barrier system of claim 2, wherein each barrier assemblyincludes a support beam supporting the barrier of the correspondingbarrier assembly, the support beam of the corresponding barrier assemblybeing operatively coupled to the at least one elevator of thecorresponding barrier assembly, the at least one elevator of thecorresponding barrier assembly configured to move the support beam ofthe corresponding barrier assembly to move the barrier of thecorresponding barrier assembly between the operative and retractedpositions.
 10. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 2, whereineach barrier assembly includes at least one prime mover, each primemover operatively coupled to a respective one of the at least oneelevator of the corresponding barrier assembly for operating saidrespective elevator of the corresponding barrier assembly to move thebarrier of the corresponding barrier assembly between the operative andretracted positions.
 11. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 10,further comprising a user interface communicatively coupled to the atleast one prime mover of each barrier assembly, the user interfaceconfigured to operate the at least one prime mover of each barrierassembly to move the barrier of each barrier assembly between theoperative and retracted positions.
 12. The landfill debris barriersystem of claim 11, wherein the user interface comprises an applicationfor a portable smart device.
 13. The landfill debris barrier system ofclaim 1, wherein each barrier assembly includes a first side guidesupported by one column of the associated pair of columns and a secondside guide supported by the other column of the associated pair ofcolumns, the first side guide connected to a first side of the barrierof the corresponding barrier assembly for guiding the first side of thebarrier of the corresponding barrier assembly as the barrier movesbetween the operative and retracted positions, and the second side guideconnected to a second side of the barrier of the corresponding barrierassembly that is opposite the first side for guiding the second side ofthe barrier as the barrier moves between the operative and retractedpositions.
 14. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 13, whereineach barrier assembly includes at least one elevator operatively coupledto the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly and configured toraise the barrier of the corresponding barrier assembly toward theoperative position and lower the barrier of the corresponding barrierassembly toward the retracted position.
 15. The landfill debris barriersystem of claim 14, wherein each barrier assembly includes a supportbeam attached to the upper end of the barrier of the correspondingbarrier assembly, the support beam of the corresponding barrier assemblybeing operatively coupled to the at least one elevator of thecorresponding barrier assembly, the at least one elevator of thecorresponding barrier assembly configured to raise and lower the supportbeam of the corresponding barrier assembly to move the barrier of thecorresponding barrier assembly between the operative and retractedpositions.
 16. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 15, whereinthe at least one elevator of each barrier assembly comprises a winch.17. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 16, wherein winch ofeach barrier assembly comprises a rotary linkage configured to beoperatively coupled to a prime mover to rotate the rotary linkage andoperate the respective winch.
 18. The landfill debris barrier system ofclaim 17, wherein the first and second side guides each comprise a cableextending along the respective columns of the pair of columns, thebarrier including a first set of followers along the first side of thebarrier and a second set of followers along the second side of thebarrier, the first set of followers coupled to the cable of the firstside guide and the second set of followers coupled to the cable of thesecond side guide, the first and second sets of followers configured tomove along their respective cables of the first and second side guideswhen the corresponding barrier is moved between the operative andretracted positions.
 19. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 1,wherein each barrier assembly includes an anchor connected to a lowerend of the barrier, the anchor configured to hold the lower end of thebarrier adjacent to lower ends of the corresponding adjacent twocolumns.
 20. The landfill debris barrier system of claim 1, wherein inthe retracted position the second height of the barrier is less than tenfeet.